Cowboys Consider Micah Parsons Trade Amid Defensive Struggles
The Dallas Cowboys are facing significant challenges this season, especially after trading star pass-rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. This trade, executed in late August, involved two first-round draft picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Following the move, the Cowboys’ record fell to 3-4-1 as they approached Week 9.
Cowboys Reflect on the Micah Parsons Trade
First-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer has expressed uncertainty about whether retaining Parsons would have improved the team’s defensive performance. The lingering impact of the trade has left a palpable void within the organization. Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa addressed the situation, stating, “He’s a great player, definitely, but you can’t really play the ‘if’ game.”
Team Performance Statistics
As the Cowboys prepare for their “Monday Night Football” matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, the statistics paint a mixed picture. Currently, the Cowboys rank:
- Second in the NFL for yards gained per game with 384.1
- Second in points scored per game at 30.8
- Second in yards allowed per game, conceding 404.6
- Second in points allowed per game at 31.3
This duality of strong offensive metrics and weak defensive performance raises questions about the team’s overall strategy.
Financial Implications of the Trade
When acquiring Parsons, the Packers signed him to a lucrative four-year contract valued at $188 million, which included $136 million guaranteed. There is no indication that Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones was prepared to make such a financial investment prior to the trade.
Looking Ahead: Potential Trades
As the trade deadline approaches, rumors are swirling about the Cowboys’ interest in bringing in Cincinnati Bengals pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson, who is in the last year of his contract. According to sources, the Bengals may be open to trading Hendrickson for the right deal.
Insider reports suggest that the Cowboys have been closely monitoring potential defensive player acquisitions for several weeks. Historically, the Cowboys have preferred younger players with multi-year contracts rather than those on expiring deals. As such, pursuing a player like Hendrickson represents a shift in their usual trade strategy.
Upcoming Matchup
As of Monday morning, the Cowboys are considered 3.5-point favorites in their upcoming game against the Cardinals. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the team’s decisions will affect their performance moving forward, especially amid the defensive struggles highlighted by the recent Parsons trade.
